Contributor: Anna Tarrant
Jahari Bell, a May 2026 graphic design graduate of the Mississippi State University Department of Art, was named a winner in the 2026 Society of Publication Designers Student Competition, an annual contest honoring top student talent in editorial visual storytelling across design, photography and Illustration.
Bell was recognized in the Portrait Photography category of the competition for his “A Man’s World” series that he said was inspired by the strength and power of black women and his experience being raised primarily by his mother. The win earned him a cash price along with a summer mentorship with a professional photographer.
Bell said having this work recognized by the SPD showed him that the message behind his photography could connect with people beyond his own experiences.
“Our stories seem to be all the same or similar even in different corners of the world,” he said. “This was an amazing opportunity, and I hope to continue to produce works that tell the story of my life as well as others.”
Bell is currently employed as the communication specialist for SR1 Research in his hometown of Ridgeland.
“I owe my career to the Art Department at State,” he said. “It shaped who I am as a creative and gave me the courage to step out of the box and not be afraid of new chapters and challenges.”
